USC Football: 3 takeaways from comeback win over Colorado

1. Both teams still have work to do

There’s something missing at USC. No shade on the Buffaloes, but the Trojans have advantages in critical areas. The most important critical area the Trojans have the advantage in the trenches. USC didn’t get the pressure on Steven Montez they wanted. They got some hits on Montez, but not close to what they wanted.

There’s the elevation factor every time you play at Colorado, and they had some key guys out, but Colorado doesn’t have a Pac-12 caliber offensive line. They hit Kedon Slovis a lot in this game; the Trojans had the advantage along the offensive line, but they didn’t pick up rushers well even when they brought five.

The Trojans are young. Even if J.T. Daniels doesn’t get hurt, he’s just a sophomore. They started a freshman running back because of injury. Drake London, who had seven catches tonight, is also a freshman. The Trojans are talented, but young.

The Buffaloes are in year one of the Mel Tucker regime. He’s the right person for the job. He took over a program with some wonderful pieces — especially offensively — but lacking in some key areas. They are young in places, and not very deep. Their lack of talent depth showed on Friday when the Trojans kept throwing receiver after receiver at the Buffalo secondary.

They aren’t Power Five-caliber up front on offense or defense, but they do everything their coach asks and they are getting better. Give Tucker some time, he’s going to return the Buffs to prominence.